Mouriño scores first Primera División goal and warns Villarreal it cannot happen again | OneFootball

Santiago Mouriño marked his first Primera División goal with a decisive winner as Villarreal edged Elche 2-1 in the regional derby. The Uruguayan defender delivered three vital points at a key stage of the season.

El Periódico Mediterráneo notes the centre-back has been used at right-back this season and has become a bright spot under Marcelino García Toral.

This match took him to 45 Primera appearances, 25 with Deportivo Alavés last season and 20 so far for Villarreal.

Afterwards he played down the personal milestone, saying he simply attacked the space and was glad they won. He also criticised the drop in intensity, admitting control until around the 70th minute followed by a lapse that he insisted cannot happen again.

The result keeps Villarreal looking up. Mouriño said they had to win any way possible, that they continue to fight Atlético for third place and have nudged further from Betis.

It was his second goal in Spanish football, the first came for Real Zaragoza in the Segunda on 2 June 2024 at La Romareda against Albacete, a 1-1 draw.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo